Airmaster celebrates major win as Design Apprentice Max Brough is crowned Apprentice of the Year 2025
Airmaster is delighted to announce that Max Brough, one of the company’s rising stars within its design team, has been named Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards 2025. The event took place on Friday, 14 November at Magna in Rotherham, where Max received his award from Jason Austin, CEO and Principal at category sponsor RNN Group in front of hundreds of business leaders from across the region.
Max’s achievement marks a proud moment for Airmaster and reflects an apprenticeship journey built on determination, curiosity and a genuine passion for engineering. Having joined Airmaster partway through his Level 3 apprenticeship as a site-based engineer, Max quickly demonstrated not only technical promise but a hunger to explore where he could make the biggest impact. His move into a design role, something he proactively requested, set him on a path where his strengths have flourished.
Now studying for a Level 5 HND at University Centre Rotherham alongside his role, Max has carved out an impressive reputation for applying theory directly into practice. He has introduced new AI tools to streamline design processes, contributed to sustainability initiatives, including carbon tracking, improved refrigerant-monitoring systems, and confidently represents Airmaster at client meetings and industry events. His enthusiasm for STEM outreach has also seen him engage with hundreds of young people, sharing his career story and helping demystify engineering for future talent.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Max,” said Lisa Pogson, Managing Director of Airmaster. “His drive, creativity and maturity shine through every project he takes on. He’s constantly seeking ways to improve not only his own skills but the wider business, and he has become a real ambassador for both Airmaster and our industry. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.”
L-R Colin MacLachlan, Event host and SAS veteran, best-selling author and former SAS: Who Dares Wins instructor; Max Brough; Jason Austin, CEO and Principal
“Winning this award means a great deal,” said Max Brough. “I’ve been given opportunities to learn, experiment and push myself, and I’m incredibly grateful to the whole team at Airmaster for their support. I’m excited to keep developing and to contribute even more to our projects and the engineering community.”
Airmaster’s commitment to nurturing early-career talent is central to its long-term growth strategy, and Max’s success underscores the value of investing in apprentices who bring fresh thinking, ambition and a willingness to challenge the status quo.